Lola Montez (1962 film)
| Company type | Television drama |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television production |
| Founded | 1962 |
| Founder | Alan Burke |
| Headquarters | Melbourne , Australia |
Key people | Alan Burke (director and scriptwriter), Rex Reid (choreographer) |
| Products | Television drama adaptation of the musical "Lola Montez" |
Lola Montez is a 1962 Australian television drama adapted from the musical sharing its title. The production was directed by Alan Burke, who also authored the musical's script, representing one of the uncommon Australian TV dramas produced during that period.
Cast
- Brigid Lenihan portrayed Lola Montez
- Campbell Copelin appeared as Seekamp
- Mary Duchesne took the role of Mary in Bavaria
- Alida Glasbecek played Gisela
- Patsy Hemingway acted as Jane
- Alan Hopgood featured as Smith
- John Kendall appeared as Jocko
- Reginald Newson performed as Wilson
- Anne Peterson portrayed Nancy
- Ron Pinnell took on Crosbie
- Rex Reid played King Ludwig I of Bavaria
- Beverley Richards was Ilsa
- Johnny Rohan acted as Daniel
- Leslie Sinclair appeared as Mac
- Frank Wilson took the role of Sam
Production
To faithfully capture his creative vision, Burke personally directed the play. After witnessing his performance on a pop program, Johnny Rohan was selected for the role of Daniel. Brigid Lenihan, a New Zealand actress recognized for her work in Little Woman, Revue 61, and A Night Out, was chosen for Lola due to her vocal talents.
The filming occurred at ABC’s Southbank Studios located in Melbourne. Rex Reid led the choreography, while Mary Duchesne performed in the Bavaria segment. The dance troupe included distinguished artists such as Kelvin Coe and Barry Moreland. Overall, the production involved a sizable ensemble of 33 performers encompassing actors, singers, and dancers.
Songs
- "Southerly Buster" – performed by miners
- "Saturday Girl" – Daniel’s song to Jane
- "Let Me Sing Let Me Dance" – Daniel’s number for Lola
- "Maria Dolores Eliza Rosamia" – duet between Sam and Lola
- "A Lady Finds a Love" – sung by Lola and Dan
- "I'm the Man"
- "There's Gold in Them There Hills"
- "Lady Lady Please Don't Cry"
- "Summer Been and Fore"
- "I Can See a Town"
- "He's Mine"
- "Beware"
- "I Alone"
- "Partner Name Your Poison"
Reception
The Age commended Lenihan for delivering an outstanding performance but observed that most other cast members, except for Frank Wilson, fell into clichéd portrayals. The Sydney Morning Herald commented on the complexity of Lola’s character, suggesting she might be better suited to a more sensitive dramatic presentation rather than the musical’s style reminiscent of Oklahoma and Paint Your Wagon. Nevertheless, it acknowledged that the production featured considerable talent that has not been fully recognized since.
Describing it as a "brilliant piece of work," the Sunday Herald praised its brisk tempo and well-prepared cast and chorus. It also remarked that this television version improved upon the stage adaptation, although it noted that the dream sequence flashback tended to slow down toward the conclusion.
Frank Roberts from The Bulletin, despite missing the initial half, criticized the segment he saw for lacking entertainment appeal and questioned the wisdom of dedicating a 90-minute prime-time slot to such content. He found most aspects consistently subpar, offering little optimism regarding the abilities displayed.
See also
External links
- Articles with short description
- 1962 Australian television plays
- Cultural depictions of Lola Montez
- 1960s Australian television plays
- Australian television musicals
- Television plays filmed in Melbourne
- Television plays directed by Alan Burke
- Australian Broadcasting Corporation television plays
- Australian films based on stage musicals
- Cultural depictions of Ludwig I of Bavaria